An encouraging word from Mark 1 & 2
Biblical Israel Ministries & Tours (BIMT) is all about teaching the Bible in the context of the land of Israel and other biblical countries (Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy). We teach the historical geography of the Bible as well as archaeology, customs and culture of the land. We aim to make connections between the Bible and the land in all that we do.
This is another session in the new series of teaching videos called “Devotions from Israel.” This brief five-minute devotional comes from Mark and and 2. We travel to the city of Capernaum located along the NW shoreline of the Sea of Galilee.
About the Devotional
Capernaum is located on the NW corner of the Sea of Galilee. This shoreline city (one of 15 ancient harbors discovered, to date, around the lake) was used by Jesus as His “home-base” for His Galilean ministry. He taught and healed here, displaying His “s’mekah” (or “authority”).
Mark 1 and 2 record only a few of the many other events that took place here. We also could turn to Mark 9, Luke 7 & 8, and John 6, for example, of the ministry of Jesus that people saw and experienced firsthand.
“Jesus was all about sharing the transforming message of the kingdom. In Capernaum, He taught, healed, and forgave sins.”
Today, Capernaum is a site visited by every Christian tour group. While most of the city is still underground, first century ruins have been discovered as well as a 5th century AD synagogue. Decades ago, the Franciscan Fathers who excavated here found portions of the 1st century synagogue below the 5th century one. It was quite smaller in size and more modest in scope.
What took place in these stories from Mark 1 and 2 is transformation. Jesus impacted many people, including those who considered outcasts in that society and culture. He even offered forgiveness to the paralytic as well.
I hope you enjoy this video below. These five minute devotionals will be produced on a regular basis. We will try to share two devotionals per week this summer. As you are encouraged by the video, please consider sharing this post with others for their encouragement as well.